CAHOKIA -- Governor George H. Ryan approved the release of more than half-million dollars for airport improvements in southern Illinois, including projects at Cahokia- St. Louis Parks Airport and Cairo Regional Airport.
"Illinois is a nationwide leader in aviation and we have developed one of the finest airport systems in the nation," Ryan said. "This year we plan to spend $134 million to improve airports throughout the state -- improvements that will return millions of dollars to the state's economy."
The Governor approved the release of $155,000 in state airport Series B Bond funds for expansion of an apron at Cahokia - St. Louis Downtown Parks Airport. The expansion is needed due to increased business at the airport and will help future operations. Work is expected to begin on September 10 and be completed by November 24.
At Cairo Regional Airport $62,4000 was released for safety projects including the installation of runway end identifier lights, and a precision approach path indicator Runway 14/31. The work will begin on October 1 and will be completed by the end of November.
Other projects included in today's releases of funds include:
Bethalto - St. Louis Regional Airport -- $48,750 in state funds for the rehabilitation of a portion of the main apron. Work is set to begin on September 10 and be completed near the end of May 2000. Total project costs are $975,000.
Salem Leckrone Airport -- $6,900 in state funds for the rehabilitation of taxiway 2 and the terminal apron, and for drainage improvements. Work will begin on September 10 and will be finished on October 4. Total project costs are $138,000.
Mt. Carmel Municipal Airport -- $7,350 in state funds for installation of a medium intensity runway lights (MIRL) system on Runway 4/22, and installation of a new electrical vault. Work will begin on October 1 and will be completed October 27. Total project costs are $147,000.
Decatur Airport -- $113,800 in state funds for completion of the rehabilitation work on secondary runway 12/30. Work is expected to begin on September 10 and be completed during the summer of 2000. Total project costs are $2,276,000.
Paris - Edgar County Airport -- $96,000 in state funds for the installation of an automated weather observation system to assist pilots during inclement weather. Work will begin in May 1, 2000. Total project costs are $120,000.
Canton Ingersoll Airport -- $16,500 in state funds for the rehabilitation of the apron and access taxiway. Work will begin September 13 and will be finished by December 5. Total project costs are $330,000.
West Chicago Du Page Airport -- $39,522 in state General Revenue funds to update the airport layout plan for future growth and to convert the plan into geographical information system (GIS) format. Work will begin this fall and will take about a year to complete. Total project costs are $79,044.
The state funds will be used in combination with local funds to secure federal funds from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.
